KLTV 7 News Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville |Toyota dealer clears up confusion, says what to do

Toyota dealer clears up confusion, says what to do

By Sara Story - bio | email
Posted by Ellen Krafve - bio | email

TYLER, TX (KLTV) - Toyota stocks plummeted Wednesday, following conflicting statements from the Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood. First, he told Toyota owners to stop driving recalled vehicles. Then, LaHood quickly backtracked his remarks, calling them a "misstatement".

In the midst of a massive recall, many Toyota owners have remained confidant in their cars. Kathy Tucker continues to drive her 2010 Corolla.

"I love my car, and I'm gonna keep driving," said Tucker.

And, there is Tony Bennett, the owner of two recalled Toyotas.

"I'm not scared," said Bennett, "I like my Toyota. We've been driving Toyotas for several years."

But, on Capitol Hill, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was asked what he would tell Toyota owners.

"Stop driving it," said LaHood. "Take it to a Toyota dealer because they believe they have the fix for it."

Bringing drivers' confidence in their cars to a screeching halt.

"I am going to take it in as quick as possible," said Tucker.

"Nothing has changed, as far as new facts, so I was really astonished, quite frankly, to hear the remark," said Scott Reed, the General Sales Manager for Classic Toyota in Tyler.

Reed was relieved when LaHood backtracked, calling his remarks a "misstatement".

"What he's saying is, if you are driving a Toyota and the accelerator pedal is sticking, you should stop driving the car," said Reed. "And, we agree whole heartedly with that statement. But, if you aren't having any problems with the accelerator pedal, your vehicle is safe to drive."

Reed says replacement parts began arriving at his dealership Wednesday. There are three tests they will do to tell if your gas pedal needs to be replaced.

"Schedule an appointment that is convenient for you," said Reed.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is now looking into whether electromagnetic signals that come from cell phones or radar technology could interfere with the electronic gas pedal controls in vehicles like Toyotas.

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